Ex-MLA ‘threatens’ Mumbai cop outside jail, policeman records it on video; inquiry initiated

MUMBAI CITY NEWS: The MLA got angry when the cop asked him to wait for the police van on one side of the jail

The Mumbai police have initiated an inquiry after a video of former MLA from Solapur, Ramesh Kadam, apparently threatening an assistant police inspector, Manoj Pawar, outside Byculla jail surfaced.

A video grab showing former MLA from Solapur, Ramesh Kadam arguing with assistant police inspector Manoj Pawar outside Byculla jail. (HT)

Kadam was arrested in August 2015 for alleged misappropriation of Rs132 crore from the funds of Lokshahir Annabhau Sathe Magasvargiya Vikas Mahamandal, which he headed.

The incident took place at around 10.45am on Thursday when the former MLA was being taken to JJ hospital to see a doctor. As they were waiting for the police van, Kadam started walking around.

“The officer asked him to wait at one side, which angered Kadam and he started to abuse the officer,” said an official from Nagpada police station.

Pawar recorded the whole incident with the help of one constable, after the MLA threatened to get him arrested under a false case.

In the video, a copy of which is with HT, Kadam is seen asking the constables stationed outside Byculla jail to call the policeman’s senior and tell them that he was asking Rs25,000 bribe.

Sources said Kadam then refused to go to a hospital and was sent back to jail.

Akhilesh Kumar, deputy commissioner of police, zone 3, said an inquiry has been initiated.

“I can’t say whether an FIR will be registered in the matter. We are verifying the facts,” he said.